North Coast Entertainment

Time To Catch Up

2008-12-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

What's up everybody - its been a while since the last post. I apologize for that. Things have been pretty crazy at North Coast Ent. Where do I start:
1. We have officially (and successfully) released "Customer Service" by D.L.O. The CD release party was a tremendous success. With more than 200 friends and supporters, DLO and Stink Tank put on a solid performance. We also got an overwhelming positive response to the new digital download cards. If you haven't seen them - check out the site for more information.
2. DLO will have his hit single "Strut" featured on Hot 93.1FM. It will be part of the "Text-to-Win" contest on Saturday, Jan. 3rd. Be sure to send in your text message for a chance to win an autographed copy of the CD
3. KALO will have his hit single "Amerikkkan Idol" featured on Hot 93.1FM. It coincides with the next season of American Idol and will be featured Jan. 17th.
4. We have another round of updates coming to the NCE site - be on the look out for your chance to win great prizes as we prepare for the re-launch

That's all the time I have for today. I will be sure to keep the postings updated more frequently from now on.

To all of our fans - Thank you

Brent
President
NCE

News, Updates and Everyting Else

2008-10-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

It's been two weeks since my last post. That means that I am either lazy or there has been a lot going on. Thankfully it is the later as we have been moving forward quit rapidly lately.

10/16/08 - G. Knowledge presents - The Inferno with performances by Luche Libre, Lost Souls, DLO, KALO, The Crest and F. Stokes. Truly one of the best shows representing Madison's talented hip hip scene. Be sure to stop out and support local hip hop.

10/23/08 - D.L.O. - "Customer Service" - CD release party is set for October 23rd @ The High Noon Saloon. This will be the premeire hip hip show for Madison, WI. The show will feature two CD's being releaseed - DLO - Customer Service and Stink Tank - Books on Tape. The show will also feature performances by Rob Dz, Stink Tank, DLO, dumate and spinning hot music by DJ Fusion. For more information visit - www.nc-e.com

Stay tuned for more information - - -

Updates, updates, updates....

2008-09-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello fans....

I trust everybody is having a great weekend. I don't know about you but I love College football and this has been the weekend for great games. Enough about that, onto the music updates!

It's confirmed, DLO will have his CD release party for "Customer Service" on October 23rd at The High Noon Saloon. Joining the party will be a joint CD release from Stink Tank with performances by DLO, Stink Tank, Rob Dz, Dumate and more. If you are a fan of good hip hop - this is a can't miss show!

Music Marketing Tip - - - -
Are you selling your music at your shows and online? Do you have t-shirts, stickers and hats to sell? Good for you! Unfortunately, you are only doing what everybody else is doing. This may seem like common sense but here we go.... You have to think outside the box - think about the things your fans do and use on a day-to-day basis and than create products for them. For example, iPod socks with your logo, coasters that look like your CD, etc... Doing the same will get you the same results. Step it up and see what happens!

NEW DVD - The powers at Indie Power are releasing one of the best music industry DVD's of all time. Music Business 201 narrated by Mack 10 featuring Timbaland, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Fat Joe, Tracy Edmonds, Too Short, Faith Evans, Chingy and many, many more. If you are serious about your career - you have to pick up this DVD.

Until next time - keep it real

Brent

48 Hours Away

2008-09-18T11:13:00.001-07:00

What's up everybody - - -

We are only 48 hours away from the 2008 Industry Meltdown Midwest Music Summit. Final line-ups and panel information are available at www.unidecmusic.com. This is going to be the music event of the year. Tickets are still available (you can also purchase tickets the day of the event).

Be on the look-out for the new e-Book from Musicmarketingtoolkit.com. This is the definitive guide to everything music marketing and PR related. We will be releasing a supplement during the Music Summit and the official book will be released in October. Stay tuned to www.musicmarketingtoolkit.com for more information.

JUST ANNOUNCED - - - October 23rd - D.L.O.'s Customer Service will be released at the official CD release party at The High Noon Saloon. This will also be the official release party for Stink Tank. Don't miss this event - it will be the hip hop event to start the Fall season.

Until next time - -

Brent

Updates, updates, updates....

2008-09-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

What's up NCE fans and friends....

Only 4 days left until the biggest music summit to ever hit the Midwest. The Unidec Industry Meltdown Midwest Music Summit is this Saturday at The Monona Terrace and Convention Center. At this event you will learn everything you need to know about how to succeed in the music industry in today's changing landscape.

We will also be releasing a new DVD featuring some of the biggest names in the game today.
The DVD is REALLY a VALUABLE TOOL for all aspiring artists, writers, producers, label owners or execs!
Where ELSE are you going to get STRAIGHT KNOWLEDGE for hours from the likes of ICE CUBE, TIMBALAND, TOO SHORT, SNOOP DOGG & many more!

The Midwest Music Summit is the only place you can pick this DVD up. The official release of the DVD is not until January '09. That's right, you can get an exclusive first-hand copy of the hottest music industry DVD to hit the streets in years.

I hope to see each and everyone of you at the music summit.

Brent

Creating A Buzz

2008-09-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

What's up fans of North Coast Ent.
I wanted to spend a little time today talking about "BUZZ". Why is creating a buzz so important for indie artists and some suggestions to create it.

To create a positive buzz for your artist, project, group, or company you must take in consideration your overall conversation, presentation, and what you leave your audience with. Hype - always talk about your upcoming projects, and talk about them with excitement. Exposure - You and your artists should attend as many "industry" events as possible - be charismatic and you will leave a lasting impression. Be prepared - Ever here of the saying "Chance Favors The Prepared Mind"? The same holds true for the music industry. Think about it - how bad would you look if your on the streets pounding for attention from radio, Web sites, etc... and when you are finally asked to do an interview you are not prepared - or you are finally asked to submit your press kit and you don't have one (or it looks half ass).

Summary - Always be talking, always be on the street (no event is too big or too small) and always be prepared.

Until next time -

Brent

Music Marketing and PR - Your Press Kit

2008-09-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

I can not stress enough the importance of indie artists presenting themselves professionally. It is important to remember that you should always do everything the way and to the quality that you want people to view you. This has never been so important as it is in today's Internet world (where the only contact somebody may have is your Web site and/or press kit).

Here are some tips:

Over 90% of band press kits end up in the trash instead of in the hands of music industry executives.(1) But creating a press kit does not need to be a daunting process. The good news is that you're the expert on you so all your research is on the tip of your tongue. It's just a matter of organizing and verbalizing that information in a way that shares your best face with the public whether it be a reporter, venue, fan or prospective sponsor.

The essential parts of a press kit are:

* pitch (aka cover letter)
* bio
* press release
* cd demo
* promo photo

Next time I will share more marketing tips for your indie artist career. Until then.....

Brent

Midwest Music Summit & The Next Midwest Superstar

2008-09-06T13:51:00.001-07:00

I could not leave today's post without mentioning that there are still spots available for interested artists for The Next Midwest Superstar competition that will be held during the Industry Meltdown Midwest Music Summit. $100 ticket gets you into the Music Summit along with a chance to perform/compete in front of number A&R reps and industry professionals.

There is also a competition running on SonicBids.com - One lucky winner will get a free ticket into the summit and a chance to perform in The Next Midwest Superstar.

To learn more visit:
www.unidecmusic.com
www.musicmarketingtoolkit.com
www.sonicsbids.com

Peace

Brent

Everyting New and Happening in Midwest Hip Hop

2008-09-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

What's up North Coast Ent. fans? I trust all is well and everybody is doing good.

A lot has been happening so I'll try to keep you up-to-speed.

1st - NCE's very own D.L.O. is set to release his next full length album entitled Customer Service. This CD has been a long time coming now but when asked, DLO responded by saying, "Fans don't want a CD with 2-3 solid songs and a bunch of fluff. DLO fans have come to expect a complete CD with tight beats and solid lyrics." I can't speak for everybody but I am excited to get this new product on the streets.

2nd - The Industry Meltdown Midwest Music Summit is only 14 days away. We have an extensive list of industry professionals set to speak. Guests including, Xtreme, P. Frank Williams, Jay Warsinski, Roy Elkins, Lee Hawkins, Janney Jennings, Rick Edwards (Atlantic), Linny S (Def Jam), Darris (Sony Columbia), Rick Robinson, DJ Traxstar and Boogs. For the more than 300 confirmed attendees everybody is sure to walk away with information and connections for succeeding in the music industry. Tickets are still available by visiting www.unidecmusic.com - This is a can't miss event. - I hope to see you there

3rd - Madison's very own DJ Pain 1 had a track featured on Young Jeezy's new album - The Recession. The track is titled - "Don't Do It" - produced by DJ Pain 1 for Lavish Life Management. Congratulations Pain 1 -

4th - Rob DZ - One of Madison's prominent hip hop recording artists has achieved the unthinkable - he got his latest song "The Wall" on Clear Channel (local station - Z104). This is the time for us all to support Rob's success - please request his new single THE WALL playing on Z104 by dialing the line request line @ (608)321-0436....IT'S GOING DOWN!!!!!!! Congratulations Rob Dz

That's all I have time for today - please stay in touch. If you have any comments or questions on anything you've read here you can reach me at bhoffmann@nc-e.com or call me at 608-347-4554.

Peach and Respect

Brent Hoffmann
President
North Coast Ent.

Music Summit is only 1 Month Away

2008-08-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

That's right! The 2008 Industry Meltdown Midwest Music Summit is only 1 month away. Some exciting new news is that we've added a talent search to the event. It's being called, "The Next Midwest Sensation". Anybody who registers for the event (at the $100) level is eligible to enter. You will be given two minutes to perform live on stage in-front of all the talent scouts attending the summit. The winner will be given a development deal worth more then $5000 dollars.

We just keep uping the ante. Don't forget, this year's keynote speaker is non-other than the great Kanye West. We will also have panels on Music Marketing 101, Distribution and radio success and many, many others.

Hope to see you there - - -

Brent

Advertising in the New Music Industry (3 of many)

2008-08-18T02:36:00.000-07:00

Utilize your email contacts properly:
Stop spamming and start communicating. Sounds easy doesn't it? That doesn't explain the number of emails that I get on a daily basis that all look and sound the same. Your email list can be a very effective and cheap form of advertising. Its time to start using it to its full potential. Spend time working on your email communications, develop a story that your readers can follow along with and let them get to know you.

I could go on and on for paragraphs but the basic principle to remember is that your email is a direct line to each of your fans - don't waste their time.

Til next time - -

B

Advertising in the New Music Industry (2 of many)

2008-08-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Get Listed - - -
Every city in every State in the United States has a free listing services available for artists. It may be as simple as a calendar listing or a posting on Craigslist.com. Take advantage of as many free listings as you can get. It never hurts to be seen in multiple places. If you have an up-coming show, get it listed and more importantly invite as many of the local press as you can to help secure a free write-up following the show. You have to put effort in before you can see results.

Until next time

Advertising in the New Music Industry (1 of many)

2008-08-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hello North Coast Ent. fans and supporters. Life on the grind is serving us well. We are putting the final touches on the Midwest Music Summit and just weeks away from the much anticipated release of DLO's new CD - Customer Service.

I though I would take a few minutes to share some successful advertising techniques that we use at NCE. Feel free to implement them into your arsenal.

1. Choose the places you advertise very carefully.
--- The music industry has continued to follow itself into the ditch. Indie artists and DIY's have continued to spend needless money advertising in magazines, newspapers and radio. Now is the correct time to realize that you do not have the budget to compete with the Major's. For marketing to be effective your message much reach consumers between 6-8 times before they will react to your message. My suggestion, find your niche, market towards your niche and don't spend money anywhere else until you have measured your success/failure within that niche. Remember, you can't get money back that has been spent foolishly.

Stay tuned - I have more advertising secrets coming in the following days. I look forward to your comments and please - - share your marketing and advertising success or horror stories with us right here - - on the NCE blog.

NCE President
Brent

Updates by J-Mo (The Life of an Intern)...

2008-08-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hello hip hop fans! J-Mo here after a week of being out of the office. I have been busy moving into my new apartment back at school in Platteville. Of course Brent kept me busy while I was away doing lots of work for North Coast Entertainment, like designing the front of the digital cards we will be handing out soon to DLO fans that want to purchase his music. I have also been trying to set up a video shoot for DLO's single, "Strut." This will be posted on YouTube and possibly be played while performing during the state school tour we are putting together.

Another piece of good news for me is that even though my internship here at North Coast Entertainment is almost done, CEO Brent Hoffmann has asked me to continue helping during the school year until I graduate in December. We are still working on many projects so to stop right now would leave Brent with a lot of work to do. So you will still be hearing from me throughout the school year.

Have a great rest of the week with all this rain! At least a sunny weekend is in the midst!

J-Mo

Looking To The Future

2008-07-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

As we finish July we are looking forward to all of NCE's upcoming events. In August, we have the D.L.O. CD release, 4 new shows and many other events planned. Please keep checking the "Upcoming shows" section of the NCE home page for more details. In September, we the Industry Meltdown Midwest Music Summit (the biggest music event to hit the Midwest - EVER!) - this is a can't miss event. If you are an artist, DJ, promoter, label rep, etc...) you really can't miss this event. We are bringing in Jay Warsinske, Wendy Day, Rick Robinson, and many, many more. Plus - we have a special keynote address by Kanye West. For more information, check out www.unidecmusic.com.

I look forward to more interaction with each of our fans. Please feel free to leave us comments and suggestions on this blog. I will also be adding informative industry articles and successful tips for aspiring artists in the coming weeks.

Much love and respect - Brent

Updates by J-Mo (The Life of an Intern)..

2008-07-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hey NCE fans, J-Mo in the house with some very interesting information on the Madison hip hop scene..

North Coast Entertainment CEO, Brent Hoffmann, was interviewed a couple weeks ago by Kara McKinney of NBC 15 on hip hop and its relationship in Madison, Wisconsin. This has been such a interesting topic in the past few years Here is the response to the interview which can also be found under Kara's blog at
www.nbc15.com/blogs/karamckinney/25806719.html :

HIP HOP. It's been a big controversy in town, in many towns, for years.

And for many music venues, the question remains, to play or not to play.
Hip hop has gotten a bad rap (no pun intended) for causing violence at
many bars and clubs.

Club Seven, King Club and the Majestic Theatre were just some of the
places playing hip hop before they closed down.

But, is the music really to blame?

The Majestic on King Street probably got the most media attention.
Police were constantly called to bar-time brawls. Brawls, that
eventually led to the rewriting of the club's liquor license and
eventually it's closure.

It reopened last September under new ownership with no problems
reported since.

"We became much more focused on live music and way less on being a club. DJ's are used to fill in gaps in the calendar only, and DJ nights are always branded as a special event, such as Soundlab or IQ Discotech. We are focused on becoming event driven and providing our patrons with a fun experience that is always safe. If our customers didn't feel safe, we wouldn't be in business still," says Scott Leslie, co-owner of Majestic Theatre.

Helping provide safety, has been Madison Police.

Lester Moore has worked in law enforcement for twelve years and currently works as a gang officer. While he is sometimes on the scene for his job, he believes Hip-Hop isn't all bad. He can actually be a fan. "Hip Hop is a culture, says Moore. Hip-Hop is a lifestyle. KRS ONE said, "Rapping is something we do. Hip-Hop is what we live." Not all hip-hop music is negative. There are some artists out there that are sending out a positive message to their fans. Unfortunately these artists do not get much airplay."

Moore doesn't believe hip hop is to blame for violence, but says parts of the culture may be a factor. "The problem with hip-hop in Madison is that it has gotten a bad name because of issues with violence that has occurred in an around many venues that feature hip-hop. Not all nightclubs have problems with hip-hop. I would suspect that much of the problem lies in the management of some of the events." says Moore.

There is a focus on changing the reputation hip hop has in our community.

Brent Hoffmann is President of North Coast Entertainment and he's helping plan the 2008 Industry Meltdown. The Midwest Music Summit is scheduled for September, 20th at The Monona Terrace and Inn on the Park.

It's an educational event for artists, DJ's, managers, and label executives to learn directly from industry veterans on how to succeed in the music industry.

One of the topics at the conference is "Music In Your Community" -what works and what doesn't. "We will be working with artists from all over the Midwest and finding out what obstacles they face and what has worked for them in the past, Hoffmann says. We can then take this information and put it to work in Madison."

When asked about hip hop's reputation in Madison, Hoffmann says he believes it's a problem across the nation. "It's not just a "hip hop" problem it is a problem with any music that is not understood and not accepted by that city's decision makers. It is basic human psychology; you tear down and/or shut down what you don't understand. Every single person can relate that experience with something in their own lives either today or growing up as a child. It takes patience, understanding and a willingness to step outside your own comfort zone to educate yourself on what is happening," says Hoffmann.

What do you guys think?

Talk to you soon!

J-Mo

Updates by J-Mo (The Life of an Intern)

2008-07-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hello all you NCE Fans! J-Mo here, bringing you another NCE update! The Midwest Music Industry Summit is well underway and will be ready to go September 20th. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to meet this year's professional guests and learn more about the music industry!

For the CD release of DLO's "Customer Service" we are beginning to create press kits to send to media all over the nation. With this exposure and our new digital release to fans, we know this CD is going to be a big hit. Did any of you see DLO and Kalo perform at Club Majestic at Madison Fashion Week? If so, what did you think? That was the first time I saw him perform and thought his music and performance was outstanding. I've already heard some of his songs on his new album and they are incredible.

BIG NEWS for Kalo--he has been selected by Sony Creative Software and Acidplanet.com to have his music exposed through their company by allowing artists to remix his music. Lets just say not many artists get this opportunity so congratulations to Kalo!

Have a great Tuesday and I'll talk to you later this week!

J-Mo

North Coast Entertainment Update!

2008-07-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, J-Mo here again. Hope you all are having a great week in this super humid weather! Good thing Brent's office is air conditioned!

I just wanted to update you all on Unidec's 2008 Industry Meltdown Midwest Music Summit. It was supposed to be taking place July 26th, but has been postponed until September 20th due to conflicting circumstances. Kayne West will still be attending and we hope to get more industry professionals since the date has been pushed back and time is now on our side. Hopefully you can get away from your busy schedules and spend a Saturday learning more about the music industry, seeing hip hop artists perform, and then lounge with us at the after-party at Con Safos in McFarland. Please visit the website to learn more at: http://www.unidecmusic.com/

In recent news, North Coast Entertainment CEO, Brent Hoffmann has combined with Kristi Moe, from Moe Publicity, to start a new company called the Music Marketing Toolkit (www.musicmarketingtoolkit.com). This toolkit provides real world steps to successful marketing and public relations in the music industry. Since Brent and Kristie have been involved in the music industry for 10 tens, they have plenty of knowledge and experience that will help pursing artists.

As for the DLO cd release, sample songs will be available on the NC-E website very soon . However, many of you will love his music and will want to purchase the album for your ipods. This can be done, here, on the North Coast Entertainment website under the MUSIC tab. Please keep checking the website for future upcoming shows!

Have a great weekend! Talk to you all next week!

J-Mo

2008-07-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hey All! My name is Jen "J-Mo" Mauerman. I am Brent's intern for the summer helping with all of North Coast's events and keeping his blog site up to date since, let's face it, Brent is the busiest man in Madison. I attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and will be graduating in December (yay!). I am majoring in Business with a marketing/advertising emphasis. I met Brent while working with his wife, Peggy, at Madison's first ever Fashion Week at Club Majestic and at Madison Avenue. As one of my responsibilities, I will update you weekly on all of our projects and upcoming events.

First things first, if you listen to 106.7, you have heard about UNIDEC’S 2008 INDUSTRY MELTDOWN MIDWEST MUSIC SUMMIT. This is an educational seminar, on July 26th, for artists, dj's, promoters, and label exec.'s. Superstar Kanye West will be attending along with other big name music industry professionals, like Wendy Day. To check out more information on tickets and other guests go to: http://www.unidecmusic.com.

The other big thing we are currently working on is DLO's cd release, which will be coming out very soon. We are in the midst of finishing the marketing plan and then executing our strategies. We are trying something different this time, which is a digital release (we will also have physical CD's available at shows). A CD release party and state school tour is also currently in the making. You better all make sure your at our CD release party, it's going to be off the hook! Details TBA.

Till Next Time...

J-Mo

New North Coast Entertainment Blog

2007-11-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

So this is what all the fuss is about..... We at NCE are excited to begin sharing out daily, weekly and monthly activities with all of our fans. In this blog you will be able to follow us through our journey's, the process to putting together a CD, on tour and how it all ties together.

We encourage you to interact with us - share your thoughts.

KALO, DLO and NCE Staff